Published: Thursday, 14th January, 2010 2:52pm

Cowden to reply on squad who have taken club to top

by Jim Stark

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On his way out, Jay Shields.

COWDENBEATH manager Danny Lennon has no plans to add to the squad which has taken the Blue Brazil to the top of the Barrs Irn Bru Second Division.

With the transfer window still two weeks to run the Fifers have released Jay Shields and are in continued negotiations with Dunfermline Athletic to extend the loan spell of Scott McBride, the youngster who has made such a big impact at Central Park.

But the Blues will rely on the men who took them to the top of the table when the second half of the season gets underway after the freeze.

Said Mr Lennon, "We have released Jay Shields by mutual consent. Jay has been a useful player over the past couple of seasons but he has fallen out of contention over the past few months and he will benefit from a fresh move.

"Meanwhile Scott's loan deal is due to end at the end of this month but we have been in talks with Dunfermline to see if we can extend this until the end of the season.

"Scott has proved such a useful player for us, being able to slot into the midfield or play as a striker so we would really like to hold on to him.

"I think Dunfermline can see the benefits to Scott from being involved in first team football every week and hopefully we can fix up the extension soon."

The manager added, "We will not be adding to what we have for the players we have here have done so well in the first-half of the season.

"Also we have three very important players ready to resume after injury with Darren McGregor, John Dempster and Danny MacKay ready to get games under the belt to get back to full fitness.

"These three will be like new signings for us and I am sure they will all play a part in the run-in.

"It has obviously been frustrating to be out of action for a month through the freezing weather but it has let the trio complete their recovery and other niggling injuries to clear up.

"We are ready for the re-start and hopefully it will come sooner rather than later."